Smoke Detectors Alert Family to Overnight Fire

This morning at 0302 hrs, the Milford Fire Department Emergency Operations center received a 911 telephone call reporting smoke in the house at 136 Housatonic Avenue. Engines 1, 3, 4, Tower 1, Rescue 1 and the Shift Commander where dispatched.

Once units arrived on scene they quickly found recliner chair burning on the first floor. The removed the chair from the house and used electric ventilation fans to exhaust the smoke. It appears that the fire was started by an electric heating pad that was left on when the occupants went to bed. There was minor damage to the building.

Fire department spokesman, Captain Chris Zak said, "The occupants were first alerted by their smoke detectors sounding and when they opened their bedroom door the house was already filling with smoke. If it had not been for these smoke detectors, the occupants may have not gotten out of their house in time."

Captain Zak continued reminding everyone that "Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide detectors SAVE LIVES! Please take the time and test them on a regular basis and remember to change the batteries when you change your clocks."